A critical ethnomethodological study recognising
parenting strengths in vulnerable families.
Why research parenting strengths in vulnerable families?
Parenting is complex and rarely predictive. Every parent is different, each with their unique qualities and each facing different challenges in their
parenting. Limited studies on parenting strengths within vulnerable families have taken a 'deficit' approach with vulnerable families being compared
with what is considered the normative standard of high and middle class families.
Study aim and design
This critical ethnomethodological research sought to identify through critical analysis the parenting strengths of vulnerable families.
This design was chosen to examine parenting in vulnerable families as ethnomethodology is congruent with the current philosophies of parenting which
incorporate the principles of holism and humanism. It values the activities of parents within the existing context.
The method
Two in-depth interviews with each of the 21 participants (families) were conducted to collect the data. Participants included parents who had at least one
child and were the primary caregivers of their children. The constant comparative method was used to analyse the data.
Key findings
1. Being listened to and understood enhanced parenting skills.
2. When involved in collective decision making about parenting, this encouraged parents to voice their needs and increased their understanding of
service agency decisions.
3. When parenting interventions and service planning are based on strengths rather than deficits, families become involved in the therapeutic process
and use their strengths and resources.
4. Vulnerable families were the true experts on their own needs.
5. Strong neighbourhood alliances and positive role modeling have a strong influence on their parenting.
6. They are very tactile parents.
7. Vulnerable families are resourceful within their own community.
Implications for practice
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Vulnerable families do not access parenting programs simply because they are available.
They are not sophisticated users of services.
They are suspicious of the motivation for the service and the level of ‘real world’ understanding of their needs and capacity to meet them.
Vulnerable families embrace parenting intervention efforts that are affirming and supportive rather than demanding.
Presence of strong alliances, acceptance of vulnerable families for who they are and modeling of good behaviour rather than lecturing about it are all
significant to these families and enhance their parenting skills.
Authors
Jane Caldwell, Dr. Elaine Dietsch, Dr. Sandra Mackey.
Address: PO Box 1492, Wodonga, Vic 3689.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (02) 60400442/0409344195
Poster Publication Date
July 2012
Acknowledgements
This research study is a PhD thesis, Charles Sturt University,
Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Bathurst Campus. Bathurst. NSW.